Bannu’s proximity to North Waziristan, the tribal district that is the main hub of Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters in Pakistan, makes it particularly vulnerable.

Pakistani officials have rejected US pressure to open a military operation in North Waziristan, citing the difficulties of operating in the area, which is also the main focus of the CIA’s drone operations.

One drone strike last week killed an Al Qaeda commander from Kuwait who was thought to be close to the network’s leader, Ayman al-Zawahri.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack, which a spokesman said was revenge for the death of Ibrahim Mehsud, a nephew of former Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, who was killed in November.